Elena Vesnina claimed her second WTA singles title on Saturday with a straight-sets victory over American Jamie Hampton in the final of the Aegon International at Eastbourne.
Both players struggled in windy conditions out on court but world number 36 Vesnina came through the opening set 6-2.
The Russian then remained on top in the second as she closed out the match 6-1.
Read Sports Mole's minute-by-minute report below to find out how the action unfolded.
Hello there and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of this afternoon's Aegon International final between Elena Vesnina and Jamie Hampton.
We're almost heading straight into the action here as the players wait to enter the court.
Jamie Hampton is first out and she gets a great reception. It's worth saying that this is the American world number 41's first ever WTA final so the nerves are sure to be playing their part right now. Next out is Russian world number 36 Vesnina - this is her eighth WTA final.
Vesnina thrashed Yanina Wickmayer 6-2 6-0 to reach today's final, while Hampton came from a set down to earn an impressive win over Caroline Wozniacki.
WEATHER UPDATE: There's a heck of a breeze going around Eastbourne at the moment but the good news is that it's clear and there are also some patches of blue sky.
Here we go then, it'll be Vesnina to serve...
VESNINA 1-0* HAMPTON (* denotes next server)
Vesnina gets off to a solid start with a hold. There were some great exchanges during that opening game as Hampton fought back from 0-30 to 30-30, but she eventually hits long to give her Russian opponent the first game.
VESNINA *1-1 HAMPTON
It's a competitive game again from the two women but Hampton takes it when Vesnina whips a forehand wide. The wind is likely to play a big part in today's final as it continues to lash wildly around the court.
VESNINA 2-1* HAMPTON
More of a routine hold for the Russian there as she gives us the first ace of the match. Hampton wins one point thanks to a rasping crosscourt backhand, but it's not enough.
There are now a few drops of rain in the air but it's nothing to severe. The players are in their respective chairs and it looks like they'll be staying there until this fleeting shower passes.
The umpire is having a feel of the grass and it looks like play will be resumed.
VESNINA *2-2 HAMPTON
Nice and easy for Hampton as she holds to love. An ace gets her on her way before a delightful drop shot seals the game. The American is a great mix of strength and guile.
VESNINA 3-2* HAMPTON
It takes her a while to get there, but Vesnina saves two break points before holding serve. The wind was wreaking havoc with both players there.
BREAK! VESNINA *4-2 HAMPTON
A double fault from Hampton brings up a break point for Vesnina and the Russian converts when they American plants a backhand into the net while on the stretch. Vesnina really put her opponent under pressure there and it paid off.
This one is turning out to be a very hard-fought game. Hampton has squandered a couple of break points but we're back to deuce.
Same again as Hampton gives herself the chance of a break point before slicing a backhand into the net. We're approaching the 10-minute mark for this game.
BREAK! VESNINA 5-2* HAMPTON
Hampton hits wide and Vesnina has what could be a vital game in this first set. Despite the wind, there were some sumptuous rallies between the pair but the Russian comes out on topand moves within one game of winning this set.
SET! VESNINA 6-2 HAMPTON
Hampton hits a forehand into the net and Vesnina has the set 6-2. The Russian has simply been more consistent so far and edges closer to the title.
The players have a quick breather and it will be Vesnina to start this second set.
Of course, Hampton came back from a set down against Wozniacki yesterday so it's nothing new to her at this tournament. However, she needs to cut out the errors in this set if she is to get herself back in the match.
VESNINA 6-2 1-0* HAMPTON
Vesnina rather cruelly gets a time violation on her way to holding the opening game of the second set. The wind is continually to cause problems for the players, including on their serves, but the umpire put her foot down on that occasion. Nevertheless, the Russian is off the mark.
This game is turning out to be a real scrap. Plenty of errors from both players.
BREAK! VESNINA 6-2 *2-0 HAMPTON
Hampton hits the net again and Vesnina has the break to move into a 2-0 lead in this second set. That really was an ugly game from both players, not helped by the wind that continues to howl around the court. Not that the Russian will mind.
VESNINA 6-2 3-0* HAMPTON
A fairly straightforward hold from Vesnina to really strengthen her grip on this final. Hampton is looking a bit lost out there at the moment while her opponent is growing in confidence.
VESNINA 6-2 *3-1 HAMPTON
Having lost the last seven games, Hampton gets on the board with a relatively comfortable hold. Can the American now find a way back into this final?
This is another one of those games that hangs in the balance. Vesnina is struggling to close it out at the moment.
VESNINA 6-2 4-1* HAMPTON
BIG hold for Vesnina as Hampton whacks a backhand into the net. That game ebbed and flowed before the Russian clinched it. A subtle fistpump suggests she knows the title is within her grasp. Hampton won't give up though.
BREAK! VESNINA 6-2 *5-1 HAMPTON
And that looks to be that. Vesnina breaks with ease and will now serve for the second WTA singles title of her career.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! VESNINA 6-2 6-1 HAMPTON
Hampton finds the net and Vesnina wins the Aegon International with a comfortable 6-2 6-1 triumph. The Russian dealt with the conditions better today and simply showed more consistency than her opponent.
The wind made it a nightmare for both players today, but Vesnina remained calm and deservedly takes the title. It's the second of her career after coming out on top in Hobart in January.
Jamie Hampton is getting plenty of plaudits from the fans and rightly so. She's entertained during the past week and, what with all of her injury problems, it was great to see her competing in her first WTA final.
Anyway, that's all from me for now. However, we will shortly have a live commentary up and running for today's men's final as Gilles Simon takes on Feliciano Lopez. Stay tuned.
Written by
Jack Prescott
Jack Prescott
